12 Fall Style Tips for Paris, From 3 French Fashion Designers

After the slow, quiet, hot month of August, when many Parisians leave the city and go on holiday, the arrival of fall fills the city with life again as temperatures cool and everyone gets back to their routine. In French, this return to school and work is called la rentrée, and with it comes a sense of renewal and energy. As Morgane Sézalory, founder and creative director of French fashion brand Sézane, describes it, “Parisians pull out their jackets again, the cafés fill with conversation, and it’s the perfect time to wander through the parks or along the Seine under golden light.”

I had the chance to speak with Sézalory, plus two other Parisian designers, who all raved about the romance of fall in Paris. “We prefer fall dressing,” says Paule Tenaillon, co-founder of luxury shoe brand Nomasei. “You can play with layers and accessories, compared to the summer when it’s too warm.” 

The shoulder season in France means big temperature swings from morning to afternoon. “The skies are often grey, which gives the city a moody charm. That’s exactly why footwear becomes so important,” says Marcel Nakam, co-founder of French shoe company Jonak Paris, suggesting shoes that can adapt to weather shifts, like loafers and leather ankle boots.

Whether you’re headed to Paris in the autumn months or you want to upgrade your seasonal travel wardrobe with stylish, versatile fall clothes, I’ve rounded up the 12 best tips I learned from these designers, from a classic trench coat to bold leopard prints.

Best Overall Styles to Shop

Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is a core part of a capsule wardrobe, especially in this European capital city. “Parisians love a classic trench,” Sézalory says. “Our Clyde is one of my favorites—it’s timeless and so easy to style.” Tenaillon agrees, saying, “We love the classic shape of a good trenchcoat.” Wear it on a gray, drizzly day to stay dry or over a dressy outfit on your way out to dinner—this versatile layer can easily be the only jacket you pack if you’re a minimalist traveler. 

A Suede Jacket

If trench coats aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other layering coats to try styling this fall. “The key is to play with textures and light layers that you can add or remove as the day shifts,” explains Sézalory, suggesting Sézane’s Will Jacket. “Suede is without a doubt the fabric of the season,” adds Nakam. “For me, nothing feels more Parisian in autumn than this texture.” Whether you invest in a real suede jacket or opt for a faux look, this outer layer will instantly elevate any outfit you pack this fall.

A Loafer

A classic loafer is a timeless wardrobe essential that should be on almost every travel packing list. The versatile style is comfortable for walking, but it can also be elevated to work well for a night out. I like wearing loafers with a skirt, but Nomasei’s co-founder Marine Braquet says, “My standard uniform is denim, a white T-shirt, a jacket, and a silk scarf paired with our Nono loafers.”

Cardigan

Cardigans are a perfect fall layer, adding that extra level of warmth and coziness when a jacket may be too stiff or warm. “A summer dress carries into autumn with a cardigan or suede jacket,” says Sézalory. She notes the Sézane Gaspard Cardigan will work “over a dress, tucked into trousers with a few buttons undone, or simply tied over the shoulders.” Depending on your style, you can shop a variety of different looks, like a slightly oversized, boxy cardigan to layer or a cropped number to pair with jeans.

A Ballet Flat

Jonak Paris’s Nakam says that Parisians often wear ballet flats year-round, but they style them differently depending on the season. In fall, for example, “you’ll see them paired with thick socks or tights rather than bare ankles.” There are tons of styles of ballet flats to add to your wardrobe, whether strappy shoes that would look chic with skirts or pants, or velvet pairs that could easily transition into the colder months, too.

Classic Denim

A great pair of jeans can easily be the base layer to an assortment of stylish travel outfits. But the key is to find jeans that are simple and classic in design, without reaching for trending silhouettes, funky washes, or overly distressed styles. This way, you’ll get the greatest versatility out of your jeans and look sleek and polished at all times. Braquet says her go-to outfit for fall is “a nice denim, Merino sweater, and trench.” Consider bootcut or straight leg styles in a solid dark wash denim that you can wear multiple times on a trip, whether while sightseeing or out to dinner.

Leopard Print

Fall is a time to pull out rich earth tones like chocolate, mustard, burnt orange, bold red, merlot purples, and maritime navies. But there’s one print that Parisians love season after season, according to Sézalory. “Leopard is a Parisian favorite: playful, versatile, and always chic,” she says. Add a touch of boldness to any outfit with a leopard print belt or silk scarf tied around your neck or purse, or go all-out with a leopard print dress. 

A Low-heeled Boot

Footwear is important for comfortable days traversing Paris on foot. “A sleek boot with a low heel is ideal,” said Sézalory, “comfortable for cobblestones yet polished enough for any setting. I love our Léane boots for exactly that reason.” Whether a knee-high boot to wear with dresses and skirts or a suede bootie to go with anything you’ve packed, these practical, versatile boots are a must-have for any traveler’s fall wardrobe.

Derby Shoes

Think of a Derby shoe as a more comfortable Oxford. The key difference between the styles is in how the eyelets and laces are designed. Derby shoes offer a more casual style and fit, and in turn, they make for more comfortable all-day wear. “They’re my go-to shoes for fall,” says Nakam. “They are comfortable enough to wear and walk for miles in, but they are also chic and versatile enough to elevate a more casual outfit for evenings out,” adds Braquet, noting that Nomasei’s Sonics Derby Shoe makes for the perfect travel shoe. You can even elevate the style with Coach’s platform take on the classic or Nine West’s metallic version.

A Silk Scarf

“I love incorporating scarves into my styling,” says Braquet. “They add texture and a bit of warmth.” A scarf as an accessory is an exercise in showcasing your personal style—and you’ll find this fashion style tip displayed all over the streets of Paris. Look for real silk scarves (not satin synthetics) as they won’t bother your skin after wearing them around your neck all day. Or, tie a scarf to your purse for a pop of color to elevate any outfit. Choose from bold prints like leopard scarves or ones with a colorful scene displayed.

A Belt

I used to think of belts as a utilitarian accessory. But Sézalory says a good belt helps define the silhouette and adds refinement, like a piece of jewelry. “I often reach for our Lisa or Roxane belts to give even the simplest outfit more presence,” she says. Give a jeans and T-shirt look a polished finish with a simple black belt and gold buckle, or lean into seasonal hues like a chocolate brown belt paired with a dress.

A Large Bag

Fall is a busy time in Paris, and for many—including Braquet—it’s a favorite. “Fall is the best time to be in Paris because it’s still nice weather and there’s also an incredible energy in the city with design week and the effervescence of the back-to-school energy.” With so much going on in the city, you’ll want to carry a big bag that can take you through a long day, filled with essentials like your phone, wallet, and a portable charger, plus a top layer like a cardigan if it gets chilly out at night. Sézalory carries the brand’s Maxi Gary bag, noting, “It carries everything—my life, and my children’s too—while still looking polished and chic.”

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